Newbie

[Nevadaref]

http://www.nfhs.org/cgi-bin/ultimate...ubb=forum;f=14

[CLBuffalo]

Thanks for the link Nevadaref. I hadn't thought about going to the NFHS Soccer Forum. The games I will be doing will be mostly younger than high school players. Although I was lent an NFHS rule book it is the 2002-03 Rule Book. I plan on getting the 2006-07 or the 2007-08 Rule Book before the season starts. My guess is that the league rules are loosely based on the NFHS rule set. I will get that straight before the season starts.


Now for a dumb question. Are hats a no no for soccer refs? I've never seen one wear one.

[JerBear]

Yes you may wear a hat. Use a completely black one (no stripes or advertisements ect..) When my eyes are facing the sun or rain is pelting down I will use one, otherwise it just holds in your body heat.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by CLBuffalo

Now for a dumb question. Are hats a no no for soccer refs? I've never seen one wear one.

Hats and sunglasses are always a point of discussion. The NFHS book says that referees may wear a solid black cap. The USSF Advice to Referees says, "The referee uniform does not include a hat, cap, or other head covering, with the exception of religious head covering."

Sunglasses are a general no under both administrations since they eliminate eye contact with the players, coaches, and partners.

One would never see a referee or an assistant wear a hat or sunglasses on a high level FIFA match. It is considered unacceptable. On a youth game, there may be times with an extreme sun on the horizon that a hat could be appropriate for the AR facing the sun. However, this would be an exception, not the general case.

The only people who generally wear a hat are the old folks and those without any hair!

[Bitsy Arena]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

One would never see a referee or an assistant wear a hat or sunglasses on a high level FIFA match. It is considered unacceptable. On a youth game, there may be times with an extreme sun on the horizon that a hat could be appropriate for the AR facing the sun. However, this would be an exception, not the general case.

Last season, for the first time in 40 plus years of watching (and officiating), I saw an AR wearing a black cap at Luton Town v Leicester City (English Championship). The sun was bright and low, but it was a unique occasion.

[refnrev]

CL,
If the sun is blazing down and your head is going to get sunburned or if it helps keep the sun out of your eyes and helps you see better, wear the hat. It will make it much hotter, but you won't be miserable from a sunburn for 10 days. If you're an AR and staring right into the sun, wear the sun glasses. Tools that enable you to see better enable you to make better calls.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by refnrev

CL,
If the sun is blazing down and your head is going to get sunburned or if it helps keep the sun out of your eyes and helps you see better, wear the hat. It will make it much hotter, but you won't be miserable from a sunburn for 10 days. If you're an AR and staring right into the sun, wear the sun glasses. Tools that enable you to see better enable you to make better calls.

Better advice for any referee would be to find out what is acceptable in his area. When one inquires with the proper authorities, it may be the case that one will be told not to wear a hat to protect one's head from a sunburn, but instead to simply wear sunscreen. A person may also learn that sunglasses are strictly forbidden while working game for a particular league/assignor/region and that only a hat or visor (or nothing at all) is acceptable.

[refnrev]

And maybe not. At the young level you are working, these are not going to be a big deal.